California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal — more commonly known as CalAIM — is a far-reaching, multiyear plan to transform California’s Medi-Cal program and enable it to work more seamlessly with other social services. Led by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), the goal of CalAIM is to improve outcomes for the millions of Californians covered by Medi-Cal, including those with the most complex needs. CalAIM will add new programs and make important reforms to many existing programs, bringing in significant federal matching dollars in addition to the $782 million allocated from the general fund in the 2021–22 budget and more in future budget years. This explainer provides an overview of the key changes proposed.
Who CalAIM Will Help CalAIM’s broad reach is intended to help all Medi-Cal enrollees through a focus on population health and greater emphasis on prevention and overall wellness. In addition, there are several specific reforms to improve care for people with the most complex needs. In general, this group includes:
For examples of how CalAIM will impact the lives of Medi-Cal enrollees, see CalAIM Explained: A Five-Year Plan to Improve Medi-Cal. |